I'm 30, wife and 3 kids, just scratching the surface of $100K a year. No college, have a high school diploma, and a resume with some warehouse supervising and, most recently, retail management. Specifically, retail Sales Manager in inbound sales. I have found I really enjoy management and would say I can keep a team motivated and hitting targets, and am extremely good at sales that don't involve pressuring a customer.
I am part of 2 or 3 people at my current job where in about 5 years, we have completely reshaped the company from being unsuccessful to finally breaking even. I currently manage a team of about 10 direct reports and 50 indirect reports. I'm at the point where I just don't enjoy the meaningless slog of the retail "pump up your numbers" game, especially in an industry that is more luxury retail than necessity.
I miss getting my hands dirty, and always hear online the potential in certain trades (plumbing and HVAC business ownership, primarily). I want a career switch to something more mentally challenging, creative, and as part of large projects where I can be part of a team that accomplishes something. Infinite upside isn't about getting rich, but just knowing that I don't have a cap on what I can accomplish, whether it be through accomplishment & scale, or personal profit.
Anyways…is something in the trades what I'm looking for? Like I said, I have 3 kids and cannot go into a $40K a year apprenticeship. If I need to work 60-80 hours a week I can swing it for a year or two, but our living expenses need at least $60K a year starting out. Appreciate you gentlemen, thanks for the read.